1. This is Chip Lindsey’s offense
Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey is in his first season calling the plays for Auburn’s offense and you can tell the difference. Lindsey has tricks up his sleeves and it has paid off for Auburn this season.
In Auburn’s 49-10 win over Mississippi State, Lindsey ran the wildcat formation with Kerryon Johnson at quarterback again. Last week against Missouri, this resulted in five rushing touchdowns by Johnson.
Against Mississippi State, Johnson took the direct snap and handed the ball off to Ryan Davis on a reverse, who then pitched the ball back to Jarrett Stidham. Stidham then fired a 49 yard pass downfield to Darius Slayton.
It’s formations like these and the versatility in the play-calling that have made it fun to watch Auburn’s offense this season.
2. Auburn’s defense is legit
This was obvious through Auburn’s first four games of the season and that was the case again against MSU. Every time it felt like Mississippi State had any form of momentum, the Tigers defense would step up and make a big play.
Mississippi State’s dynamic quarterback Nick Fitzgerald couldn’t get in any sort of a rhythm. Auburn’s defense kept the Bulldogs signal caller in check throughout the entire game.
Auburn’s defense will keep them in every game this season and I feel very confident in saying that.
3. Jarrett Stidham can throw the deep ball
This has been a complaint from Auburn fans over the past couple of seasons under head coach Gus Malzahn. In offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey’s system, the vertical passing game has been present.
Last week against Missouri, Stidham completed three passes down the field that covered 40 or more yards and that continued against Mississippi State.
Against Mississippi State, Stidham completed four passes of 45 yards or more. Eli Stove, Darius Slayton, Will Hastings and Kyle Davis all extended Auburn drives by going down the field.
With Stidham’s efficiency and ability to throw the deep ball, opposing teams will have to respect both Auburn’s rushing and passing attack.
